Passengers stranded as MV Kalangala management observe strict SOPs

Kalangala, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT |   Several passengers are getting stranded after management of MV Kalangala  restricted the number the vessel carries to 50 per voyage as they observe the Standard Operating Procedures – SOPs due to the COVID-19.

But the Kalangala District Chairperson, Willy Lugoloobi says a solution should be found quickly since the number of passengers who want to use the vessel has increased.

The vessel was forced by security in Entebbe last Friday to offload over 250 passengers who were set to start their journey to Ssese Islands.

MV Kalangala resumed operation on October, 1st, 2020 after the Government had suspended public transport in March to control the spread of COVID-19.

On it’s return, Ministry of Health agreed with Nation Oil Distributors who operate the vessel on the Standard Operating Procedures where the ship has to carry 50 passengers.

Despite the SOPs, the vessel operators maintained the transport costs of 14,000sh in first class and 10,000sh for second class.

The overwhelming number of passengers has left many stranded in Lutoboka and Nakiwogo yet the vessel has one voyage from Kalangala to Entebbe and Entebbe to Kalangala a day.

Lugoloobi said they have written to the Ministry of Works and Transport requesting for an extra voyage in case the number of passengers continues to  increase.

He said ever since the return of MV Kalangala, there is constant increase in number of passengers and the district needs to address this.

Hajji Sadala Musoke, the Managing Director Nation Oil Distributors has said they have negotiated with the Ministry of Works and Transport to have an extra voyage to cub the problem.  Musoke said this will however be on specific days.

The vessel is licensed to carry 108 passengers including the crew. But but due to COVID-19 it is allowed to carry only 50 passengers on every voyage.

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